Preseason basketball is all about preparation for the perils that lie ahead in the league season, building on strengths while exposing weaknesses.
The key component comes in learning how to win in crunch time against tough opponents, a factor that pays big dividends down the road.
That was the situation for the Eagles in a Dec. 10 visit to Elsie Allen, with the teams locking horns in a classic match-up that would need an extra frame to be decided.
Cloverdale fought an uphill battle most of the way, overcoming a 30-24 at the half and 46-37 after three quarters. Not a problem, as the Eagles called on pride, poise and sophomore center Josh Lemley to mount a furious comeback that would knot the contest at 60-all at the end of regulation.
Cloverdale seized the momentum in overtime, outscoring the Lobos 9-5 to pull out an electrifying 69-65 victory.
Lemley was virtually unstoppable, recording a career-high 37 points while adding 11 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Also in the scoring column for the Eagles were Chuche Maciel (13 points, 3 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals), Shayne Turner (6 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal), Andres Herrera (6 points, 2 boards, 2 steals), Mario Lopez (5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals) and Keller Sibert (2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal).
Scheduling notesÂ
The Eagles (5-2) will visit Sonoma Academy on Dec. 20 for a 4 p.m. varsity tip-off before participation in the Colfax Tournament on Dec. 27-29. Cloverdale will open the league campaign at Middletown on Jan. 2 (7 p.m.). Â
